“Donkey Kong Country Returns HD” is a high-definition remaster of the original “Donkey Kong Country Returns” released for the Wii in 2010. In addition to upgraded visuals and new controller support, the game features all of the content and additions added in the Nintendo 3DS version. The HD port adds new challenge levels to test the players’ skills and a beginner-friendly “modern mode” to lower the difficulty for newcomers to the franchise.
The game focuses on a tribe of living tiki-like instruments who have hypnotized the animals on Donkey Kong’s island and stolen from his precious banana hoard. You play as Donkey Kong (DK), accompanied by his pal Diddy Kong, traversing various locations on the road to the island’s peak. Eight themed subsections of the island act as traditional video game “worlds,” each with eight levels, alongside additional bonus levels that can be unlocked through in-game collectibles.
It’s hard to talk about Donkey Kong Country without mentioning the phenomenal design of the platforming. The spacing of platforms is set up quite nicely, and it is easy to tell how much force a jump needs or when you’ll need to time a precise roll. Additionally, platforms are set up in a way that’s easy for players to follow along with, as the next few maneuvers are often laid out in front of them.
Donkey Kong’s main means of movement are jumping and rolling. The two go hand in hand, as well-timed rolls can be turned into jump momentum to pull off satisfying stunts that move DK from place to place. The controls have a nice floaty feel that leaves room for error while not being so forgiving that the game feels easy. Another nice addition was the return of Diddy Kong from the original trilogy on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Diddy Kong will climb onto DK’s back and grant the player two extra hit points and a jetpack that allows DK to hover in the air for a short time. The extra airtime from the airtime boost makes tighter jumps more forgiving and makes precise platforming easier.
Difficulty in Donkey Kong Country Returns almost always feels fair; every time the player dies in the game, the reason is very apparent to the player, giving them the insight to improve. One of the best parts of more difficult levels is the improvement that comes from each death, trial and error helps familiarize players with new mechanics and master previously introduced ones. Not only that, but my favorite detail in each level is how new mechanics are introduced throughout. In the first level, you’re introduced to barrels that launch you from place to place. Later in the level, you discover that the same barrels can launch you through different layers of the screen, and suddenly you’re traversing the level in the foreground or background of the location and immersing yourself in every part of the environment.
My absolute favorite part of the game was the environmental design of each location. The platformer stretches simple themes like a forest or mine into an overgrown landscape with ancient temples or a mine run by moles littered with shimmering blue crystals. The levels I enjoyed the most were always the ones with the most going on, typically those that used the game’s minecart and “rocket barrel” gimmicks, which essentially function as vehicles that DK steers as he navigates various obstacles around the environment.
Color in this revamped edition immediately establishes a clear atmosphere for every set piece. The “high definition” graphics come into play here, as they give the original locations a nice glisten and layer of detail that is less prominent in the original 720p edition on the Wii. Each level has a distinct palette that beautifully blends the scenery. Animals in the background will have nice complimenting colors that are cartoonish while still being familiar and reminiscent of the colors of real-life animals. Ryan Powell, who had previously worked as an artist on the Metroid Prime series, headed the art direction for the game. It’s worth noting that the music changes depending on what area of a level the player is in, and it’s a nice detail that the themes will change to fit the surroundings.
The original Donkey Kong Country is universally recognized for its incredible music, which features some of the most satisfying instrumentation and melodies in an original soundtrack (OST). Nintendo brought on composer David Wise for the “Returns” series of games. Wise’s music perfectly fits the idea of what a Donkey Kong game should “sound” like. The style and unique groove of each track is tailored to every level. The progression of more dramatic songs is reminiscent of how music creates tension in film. Donkey Kong Return’s themes fit the narratives being told in the game through its locations and levels. Wise composed most of the soundtrack of the original Donkey Kong, and it was only natural that he returned to maintain the unique funk and liveliness of the first game from ‘94.
One of my only issues with the game was a few minor inconsistencies with engagement in the game. It can be apparent what levels have more thought put into them or have more going on to keep the player entertained. I feel like the number of levels and the length of each can be detrimental to the overall experience as some run on for too long and feel like filler to pad the game’s runtime. Every world has one or two of these, but it does not detract from the game too much as even the less engaging levels don’t affect the game’s pacing in any way besides mildly. Even so, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD cements itself as the best way to experience the brilliant platforming, art style, level design, and creativity of the original Donkey Kong Country Returns with improved graphics and bonus features that the original game lacked.
